Replaceable Fluid Container

ABSTRACT

A replaceable fluid container for a vehicle, the container comprising: a housing comprising a fluid reservoir; an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with a fluid system of the vehicle for supplying fluid from the reservoir to the vehicle; an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with the fluid system of the vehicle for receiving fluid from the engine to the reservoir; and a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with the vehicle for allowing gas to be passed into and out from the reservoir, wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a common end of the housing and are arranged such that the distance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.

This invention relates to replaceable fluid containers for vehicles andengines. The invention also relates to an apparatus comprising such acontainer in fluidic communication with a fluid system and to a vehiclecomprising such an apparatus.

Many vehicle engines use one or more fluids for their operation. Suchfluids are often liquids. For example, internal combustion engines useliquid lubricating oil compositions. Also, electric engines use heatexchange liquids for example to cool the engine, to heat the engine orto cool and heat the engine during different operating conditions. Suchfluids are generally held in reservoirs associated with the engine andmay require periodic replacement.

Conventional periodic replacement of engine lubricating oil compositionin a vehicle engine usually involves draining the composition from theengine sump. The process may also involve removing and replacing theengine oil filter. Such a procedure usually requires access to theengine sump drain plug and oil filter from the underside of the engine,may require the use of hand tools and usually requires a suitablecollection method for the drained lubricating oil composition.

Attempts have been made to provide a quick-change oil filter/reservoirsystem for an internal combustion engine.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,823 relates to a quick-change oil filter/reservoirsystem for an internal combustion engine having a primary oil pump andoil sump comprising a cartridge containing an oil filter element andsupply of oil. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No.4,151,823, and described at col. 3 lines 22 to 30, the cartridge is saidto be retained on the mounting plate by conventional quick releasemountings. The tabs and spring clips shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1of U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,823 are on the end of the cartridge bearing theinlet and outlet ports. The breather cap in this embodiment is shownwith a pipe connected to the cap.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,936 relates to a removable oil storage and supplytank for a dry sump four cycle internal combustion engine. According toone embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 and described at col. 3 line 27 tocol. 4 line 46 a tank 30 is supported at the bottom by the male portion62 of three quick disconnect connectors 60. All three oil lines 54, 56and 58 are said therein to be attached to the tank 30 by quickdisconnect fluid connectors 60 which penetrate the bottom of the tank30. According to the document at col. 4 lines 28 to 36, a tube 50 isattached to the top of the female member 64 of the connector 60connected to the oil scavenger line 56. At col. 4 lines 37 to 41 it isstated that a tube 51 is attached to the top of the female member 64 ofthe connector 60 connected to the oil vent line 58. It is stated thereinthat this tube 51 extends the vent line 58 into the air space in thetank 30 above the oil level 52 so as to vent the same to the crankcase.At col. 4 lines 41 to 46 it is stated that the oil line 54, throughwhich oil is drawn for lubricating the engine 10, terminates in a quickdisconnect fluid connector 60 which includes an oil inlet 67. It isstated therein that this inlet 67 is positioned near the bottom of thetank 30 so that oil will be drawn from the tank even if the oil isreduced to a very low level.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,149 relates to a manufacture for filtering oil. Anembodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 9 and described at col. 4 line13 to col. 7 line 44. At col. 5 lines 19 to line 32 quick-disconnectcouplings are described. It is stated at col. 5 lines 27 to 31:

-   -   “Further, the geometrical locations of the elements of the quick        disconnect QD's in both the block 58 of mechanism 57 and on the        top of the housing 22 prevent wrong-way hook-up or connection of        such lines to such housing, . . . ”        At col. 6 lines 55 to 64 it is stated:    -   “To prevent an incorrect hook-up of lines or hoses to the        cylinder's nipples, although in linear alignment with one        another, the axis of the center hole in block 58 is closer to        the axis of one of the two exterior disposed holes 59 than the        other, thereby preventing a wrong-way hook-up of the lines or        hoses to the upper housing 22 of receptacle 21 . . . ”        In FIG. 4 vent plug 52 is shown between inlet plug 53 and outlet        plug 51.

There remains a need for a replaceable fluid container

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided areplaceable fluid container for a vehicle, for example a vehicle engine,the container comprising:

-   -   a housing comprising a fluid reservoir;    -   an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir        in fluidic communication with a fluid system of the vehicle for        supplying fluid from the reservoir to the engine;    -   an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in        fluidic communication with the fluid system of the engine for        receiving fluid from the engine to the reservoir; and    -   a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in        fluidic communication with the engine for allowing gas to be        passed into and out from the reservoir,        wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a        common end of the housing and are arranged such that the        distance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port        and outlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet        port and the outlet port.

The vent port is connectable in fluidic communication with the vehiclefor example with the fluid system of the engine. Additionally oralternatively, when the engine is an internal combustion engine the ventport is connectable in fluidic communication for example, with an airinlet manifold of the vehicle engine.

These and other examples of the disclosure facilitate coupling of thereservoir with the fluid system of the vehicle, for example of thevehicle engine. In particular, these and other examples of thedisclosure avoid or at least mitigate the risk of incorrect coupling ofinlet ports, outlet ports and vents ports with corresponding ports on afluid system for example of a vehicle e.g. a vehicle engine fluidsystem. Thus, it is possible to ensure correct connection even by anunskilled user. Furthermore, because of the location of the respectiveports on the housing and the related fluid system it is possible tominimise the possibility of cross-contamination between various ports,retaining the integrity of the fluid system as well as the integrity ofthe contents of the reservoir.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure there isprovided an apparatus comprising a replaceable fluid container for avehicle, for example a vehicle engine, the container comprising: ahousing comprising a fluid reservoir; an outlet port arranged on thehousing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with a fluidsystem of the vehicle for supplying fluid from the reservoir to thevehicle; an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoirin fluidic communication with the fluid system of the vehicle forreceiving fluid from the vehicle to the reservoir; and a vent portarranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communicationwith the vehicle for allowing gas to be passed into and out from thereservoir, wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on acommon end of the housing and are arranged such that the distancebetween the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet portis greater than the distance between the inlet port and the outlet port,in fluidic communication with a fluid system of a vehicle for example avehicle engine through the inlet port and outlet port and in fluidiccommunication with the vehicle through the vent port. Suitably, thecontainer is in fluidic communication with a fluid system of a vehicleengine through the inlet port and outlet port and in fluidiccommunication with the engine through the vent port.

The vent port is connected in fluidic communication with the vehicle,for example with an engine of the vehicle, for example with the fluidsystem of the engine. Additionally or alternatively, when the engine isan internal combustion engine the vent port is connected in fluidiccommunication for example, with an air inlet manifold of the engine.

According to yet a further aspect of the present disclosure there isprovided a vehicle comprising an apparatus comprising a replaceablefluid container for a vehicle, for example a vehicle engine, thecontainer comprising: a housing comprising a fluid reservoir; an outletport arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidiccommunication with a fluid system of the vehicle for supplying fluidfrom the reservoir to the vehicle; an inlet port arranged on the housingto couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with the fluid systemof the vehicle for receiving fluid from the engine to the reservoir; anda vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidiccommunication with the vehicle for allowing gas to be passed into andout from the reservoir, wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports arearranged on a common end of the housing and are arranged such that thedistance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port andoutlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet port and theoutlet port, in fluidic communication with a fluid system of an enginethrough the inlet port and outlet port and in fluidic communication withthe engine through the vent port.

The vent port is connected in fluidic communication with the vehicle,for example with an engine of the vehicle, for example with the fluidsystem of the engine. Additionally or alternatively, when the engine isan internal combustion engine the vent port is connected in fluidiccommunication for example, with an air inlet manifold of the engine.

In at least some example, the inlet port, the outlet port and the ventport are arranged in a linear radial alignment on the end of thehousing.

In at least some examples the inlet port, the outlet port and the ventport are arranged in a linear radial alignment on the end of the housingand the vent port is arranged radially outermost of the inlet port,outlet port and vent port. Thus, the inlet port is the radiallyinnermost port, the outlet port is the radially mid port and the ventport is the radially outermost port. These and other examples of thedisclosure have an advantage that the distance between the vent port andthe inlet port is maximised. This avoids or at least mitigatesentrainment or other contamination of the vent gas with fluid beingreturned to the reservoir.

In at least some examples the inlet port, outlet port and vent port arearranged on the end of the housing in non-linear radial alignment suchthat the radial distance between the vent port and the nearest of theinlet port and outlet port is greater than the radial distance betweenthe inlet port and the outlet port.

In at least some examples the inlet port, outlet port and vent port arearranged on the end of the housing in non-linear radial alignment suchthat the radial distance between the vent port and the nearest of theinlet port and outlet port is greater than the radial distance betweenthe inlet port and the outlet port and the vent port is arrangedradially outermost of the inlet port, outlet port and vent port. Thus,the inlet port is the radially innermost port, the outlet port is theradially mid port and the vent port is the radially outermost port.These and other examples of the disclosure have an advantage that thedistance between the vent port and the inlet port is maximised. Thisavoids or at least mitigates entrainment or other contamination of thevent gas with fluid being returned to the reservoir.

In at least some examples at least one sealing or separating member isprovided around at least one of the ports, for example around all of theports.

In at least some examples additionally or alternatively at least onesealing or separating member is provided between at least two of theports.

The inlet port, outlet port and vent port may be arranged on a couplingmechanism.

In at least some examples the coupling mechanism is arranged such thatthe container is connectable to couple the reservoir in fluidiccommunication with the vehicle, for example with an engine of thevehicle, for example with the fluid system of the engine by relativemovement between the container and the vehicle and/or engine that is ina linear direction.

In at least some examples the coupling mechanism is arranged such thatthe container is connectable to couple the reservoir in fluidiccommunication with the vehicle, for example with an engine of thevehicle, for example with the fluid system of the engine by relativemovement between the container and the vehicle and/or engine that is ina rotational direction. The rotation may through an angle of less than360 degrees, for example through an angle of between 10 degrees and lessthan 360 degrees, or through an angle of between 10 degrees and 180degrees, or through an angle of between 10 and 60 degrees, or through anangle of about 25 degrees.

Each port may comprise a self-sealing port. In general, self-sealingports have the characteristic that when corresponding ports are beingconnected, a seal is made between the connecting ports before valve orvalves open to allow fluid to flow. On disconnection, the valve orvalves close to seal off each of the ports before the seal between theports is broken. Suitable valves include spring loaded poppet valves andbiased non-return valves.

Each self-sealing port of the container may provide a “dry break” inwhich no fluid flows on connection or disconnection of the ports.Alternatively, each self-sealing port of the system may provide a “dampbreak” in which there is flow of only a non-essential amount of fluid,for example a few drips of liquid, on disconnection or connection of theport.

In some examples, the inlet port and the outlet port may each or bothcomprise a non-return valve. Suitably, the vent port does not comprise anon-return valve.

In some examples the container may comprise a key for example aprotrusion or recess configured to engage with a complimentary featureof the vehicle and/or engine and/or fluid system. This may furtherinhibit the container from being coupled to the fluid system unless theports are in a selected orientation with respect to corresponding portsof the vehicle and/or fluid system and/or engine.

In at least some example the container contains a fluid, for example aliquid. The liquid may be a liquid for a self-sustaining fluid systemfor example lubricating oil composition for example an enginelubricating oil composition or a heat exchange fluid for example a heatexchange fluid for an electric engine. The liquid may be a liquid for anon-sustaining fluid system, for example deicer, water and/or detergent.

The reservoir may be a reservoir for a fluid which is a liquid. Theliquid may be lubricating oil composition, for example lubricating oilcomposition, or heat exchange fluid for an electric engine.

Thus, the container may be provided as a self-contained systemcontaining fresh, refreshed or unused engine lubricating oil compositionwhich may conveniently replace a container on an engine which containercomprises a reservoir containing used or spent engine lubricating oilcomposition. If the container also comprises a filter, this also isreplaced together with the spent or used heat exchange fluid.

The engine lubricating oil may have heat exchange properties.

The lubricating oil composition, for example engine lubricating oilcomposition, may comprise at least one base stock and at least onelubricating oil additive. Suitable base stocks include bio-derived basestocks, mineral oil derived base stocks, synthetic base stocks and semisynthetic base stocks. Suitable lubricating oil composition additivesfor example engine lubricating oil composition additives are known inthe art. Examples of additives include organic and/or inorganiccompounds. Typically, according to at least some examples, thelubricating oil composition comprises about 60 to 90% by weight in totalof base stocks and about 40 to 10% by weight additives. Suitable enginelubricating oil compositions include lubricating oil compositions forinternal combustion engines.

The lubricating oil composition may be a mono-viscosity grade or amulti-viscosity grade engine lubricating oil composition. Examples ofsuitable lubricating oil compositions include single purpose lubricatingoil compositions and multi-purpose lubricating oil compositions.

According to at least some examples, the lubricating oil composition isan engine lubricating oil composition for an internal combustion engine,for example a spark ignition internal combustion engine and/or acompression internal combustion engine.

The liquid may be a heat exchange fluid for an electric engine. Thus,the container may be provided as a self-contained system containingfresh, refreshed or unused heat exchange fluid for an electric enginewhich may conveniently replace a container on an engine which containercomprises a reservoir containing used or spent heat exchange fluid. Ifthe container also comprises a filter, this also is replaced togetherwith the spent or used heat exchange fluid.

Suitable heat exchange fluids for electric engines include aqueous andnon-aqueous fluids. Suitable heat exchange fluids for electric enginesinclude those which comprise organic and/or non-organic performanceboosting additives. Suitable heat exchange fluids include be man-made orbio-derived fluids, for example Betaine. According to at least someembodiments, the heat exchange fluids have fire retardingcharacteristics and/or hydraulic characteristics. Suitable heat exchangefluids include phase change fluids. Suitable heat exchange fluidsinclude molten metals and salts. Suitable heat exchange fluids includenanofluids. Nanofluids comprise nanoparticles suspended in a base fluid,which may be solid, liquid or gas. Suitable heat exchange fluids includegases and liquids. Suitable heat exchange fluids include liquefiedgases.

Whilst fluid systems for vehicles, for example vehicle engines, havebeen described herein the present invention also relates to fluidsystems for engines in general whether or not associated with a vehicle.

Thus, according to a further aspect of the present invention there isprovided a replaceable fluid container for an engine, for example avehicle engine, the container comprising:

-   -   a housing comprising a fluid reservoir;    -   an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir        in fluidic communication with a fluid system of the engine for        supplying fluid from the reservoir to the engine;    -   an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in        fluidic communication with the fluid system of the engine for        receiving fluid from the engine to the reservoir, and    -   a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in        fluidic communication

with the engine for allowing gas to be passed into and out from thereservoir, wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on acommon end of the housing and are arranged such that the distancebetween the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet portis greater than the distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.

According to another embodiment there is provided an apparatuscomprising a container as hereindescribed in fluidic communication withthe fluid system of a vehicle, for example with the fluid system of avehicle engine through the inlet port and the outlet port and in fluidiccommunication with the vehicle for example with an engine of the vehiclethrough the vent port.

According to another embodiment there is provided an apparatuscomprising a container as hereindescribed in fluidic communication withthe fluid system of an engine, for example a vehicle engine through theinlet port and the outlet port and in fluidic communication with theengine through the vent port.

According to another aspect there is provided a vehicle comprising anapparatus as hereindescribed.

The engine may be an internal combustion engine. Suitable internalcombustion engines include spark ignition internal combustion enginesand compression ignition internal combustion engines. The engine may bean electric engine.

Suitable vehicles include motorcycles, earthmoving vehicles, miningvehicles, heavy duty vehicles and passenger cars.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially asherein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to otheraspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular,features of method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and viceversa.

The invention will now be described by way of example only and withreference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a container accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first port configuration employed with acontainer of the present invention of the type shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a port connector configuration thatcan be employed with the container of the invention as shown in FIG. 1.

In the drawings like reference numerals are used to indicate likeelements.

Referring to FIG. 1, a container 1 according to the present inventionhas an housing 2 for example comprised of a plastics material and/ormetal. Coupled to the housing 2 is a coupling mechanism 3. The couplingmechanism 3 comprises ports 4,5,6 that, in use, engage with a valvemechanism for fluidic communication with a fluid system 12 of an engine,for example a vehicle engine. The coupling mechanism 3 may be comprisedof a plastics material and/or metal with the ports 4,5,6 formed integraltherewith. The coupling mechanism 3 may include a quick releasecomponent (not shown) for connection to a connector (not shown) on theengine 3. The container 1 comprises a reservoir 9 which contains a fluid7 for the fluid system 12 of the engine 13. The reservoir 9 is influidic communication with fluid system 12 of the engine 13 forsupplying fluid 7 to the engine fluid system 12 through outlet port 5.The reservoir 9 is in fluidic communication with fluid system 12 of theengine 13 for receiving fluid 7 from the engine fluid system 12 throughinlet port 4. A vent port 6 is in fluidic communication with the enginefluid system 13 for allowing gas to be passed into and out from thereservoir 9. Additionally, or alternatively the vent port may be influidic communication with an air inlet manifold of an internalcombustion engine. This also enables fluid 7 to flow via outlet port 5under gravity or by pumping when the reservoir is in fluid communicationwith the engine fluid system 12. Fluid returning to the container 1 maybe passed through a filter (not shown).

In use, the container 1 is supplied as a unit or cartridge and is thenconnected to the engine so that fluid 7 can be supplied to the enginefluid system through outlet port 5 and received from the engine throughinlet port 4. The connection to connect the reservoir in fluidiccommunication with the fluid system of the engine made should be simpleand straightforward performed by even an untrained user. In practice itmay be performed by relative movement between the container and theengine in a linear direction. Alternatively, the coupling mechanism 3 isarranged such that the container is connected to couple the reservoir influidic communication with the fluid system of the engine by relativemovement between the container and the engine that is in a rotationaldirection. Opposite movement of the container then enables removal oncethe container 1 has come to the end of its operational life so that itcan be disposed of and a new container 1 provided.

In either manner of connection it is important that there is nocross-contamination between the ports 4,5,6. In particular, it isimportant that no fluid contaminates the vent port 6 so that forexample, fluid does not enter an air intake manifold or other gashandling system within the engine. A separating sealing member ormembers 10 may be provided to achieve this.

It is also important that the container be connected in a way thaterroneous connection is not possible such that the ports 4,5,6 are notconnected to the incorrect connector on the engine.

This is achieved for example by an arrangement shown in FIG. 2.Referring to FIG. 2, this shows the arrangement of ports 4, 5 and 5 suchas might be present in the container of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2 the ports 4,5, 6 are arranged on a common end 14 of the housing 2 such that thedistance 17 between the vent port 6 and the nearest of the inlet port 4and the outlet port 5 is greater than the distance 18 between the inletport 4 and the outlet port 5. This ensures that it is not possible for auser to connect the container the wrong way around by inserting it inthe wrong direction, or to provide partial connection which enablescross-contamination particularly between the vent port 6 and either ofthe other ports.

FIG. 3 shows an example for arrangement of ports 4, 5 and 6 on acoupling mechanism 3 which such as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3 the inletport 4, the outlet port 5 and the vent port 6 are arranged in a linearradial alignment on the end 14 of the housing 2. The vent port 6 isarranged radially outermost of the inlet port 4, outlet port 5 and ventport 6.

Alternatively, the ports, 4, 5, 6 may be arranged in a non-linear radialalignment such that the radial distance 16 between the vent port 6 andthe nearest of the inlet port 4 and outlet port 5 is greater than theradial distance 15 between the inlet port and the outlet port. The ventport 6 may be arranged radially outermost on the end of the housing 2.

In an alternative arrangement, the inlet port, the outlet port and thevent port may be arranged in a linear radial alignment on the end of thehousing, the inlet, outlet and vent ports being arranged on a common endof the housing such that the distance between the vent port and thenearest of the inlet port and outlet port is greater than the distancebetween the inlet port and the outlet port.

Separators 11 are provided between the ports 4, 5,6.

The coupling mechanism 3 can be connected to couple the reservoir 9 influidic communication with the fluid system 12 of the engine 13 byrelative movement between the container 1 and the engine 13 that is arotational direction shown in FIG. 3 as arrow A.

The container may be used with an engine, for example an internalcombustion engine or an electric engine. The engine may be a vehicleengine.

With the configuration of the present invention it is therefore possibleto provide a replaceable fluid container for use with an engine whichprovides ease of insertion in a safe and controlled manner.

While aspects of the invention have been described in relation tovehicle engines and examples of the invention described the use ofengine lubricating oil compositions, it is envisaged that features ofthe invention could find other applications.

For example, a fluid container according to an aspect of the inventioncould be used in relation to a fluid system of a wide range of apparatusor equipment. For example, the fluid container could find application inrelation to various static and movable machines, for example industrialmachines such as a lathe, or manufacture and assembly equipment, to anengine, or to a vehicle.

Examples of a fluid container of an aspect of the invention could thusbe used to supply lubricant composition to a region of the apparatus orequipment, for example to a region including one or more moving parts,for example a gearbox. In an example of an aspect of the invention thereis provided a fluid container for a wind turbine, for example to providelubricating composition to one or more parts of the wind turbineapparatus.

The container may supply a lubricant composition to the apparatus, ormay supply fluid other than lubricant to the apparatus. For example, thefluid may comprise a fuel composition, for example gasoline or dieselThe container of an aspect of the invention may be for supply the fluidfor example to the fuel supply system of the apparatus. For example, thecontainer may supply fuel to a vehicle, or tool, for example to a car,motorcycle or lawn mower.

In another example, the container is used to supply a fluid, for examplelubricant and/or fuel, to a hand tool, for example a hedge trimmer orleaf blower.

The fluid may comprise for example an aqueous or other solvent-basedcomposition, for example a cleaning composition. The fluid may forexample comprise windscreen wash fluid. A container of an example of anaspect of the invention may be for supplying fluid to the windscreenwasher fluid delivery system for example of a vehicle.

In some examples of aspects of the invention the fluid system maycomprise a fluid circulation system or a fluid delivery system.

An aspect of the invention provides a replaceable fluid container for anapparatus, the container comprising:

-   -   a housing comprising a fluid reservoir;    -   an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir        in fluidic communication with a fluid system of the apparatus        for supplying fluid from the reservoir to the apparatus;    -   an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in        fluidic communication with the fluid system of the apparatus for        receiving fluid from the apparatus to the reservoir; and    -   a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in        fluidic communication with the apparatus for allowing gas to be        passed into and out from the reservoir,

wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a common end ofthe housing and are arranged such that the distance between the ventport and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet port is greater thanthe distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.

It will be understood that the present invention has been describedabove purely by way of example, and modification of detail can be madewithin the scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) theclaims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriatecombination.

1. A replaceable fluid container for a vehicle, the containercomprising: a housing comprising a fluid reservoir; an outlet portarranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communicationwith a fluid system of the vehicle for supplying fluid from thereservoir to the vehicle; an inlet port arranged on the housing tocouple the reservoir in fluidic communication with the fluid system ofthe vehicle for receiving fluid from the vehicle to the reservoir; and avent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidiccommunication with the vehicle for allowing gas to be passed into andout from the reservoir, wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports arearranged on a common end of the housing and are arranged such that thedistance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port andoutlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet port and theoutlet port.
 2. A container as claimed in claim 1 in which the inletport, the outlet port and the vent port are arranged in a linear radialalignment on the end of the housing.
 3. A container as claimed in 1 inwhich the inlet port, outlet port and vent port are arranged on the endof the housing in non-linear radial alignment such that the radialdistance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port andoutlet port is greater than the radial distance between the inlet portand the outlet port.
 4. A container as claimed in claim 3 in which thevent port is arranged radially outermost of the inlet port, outlet portand vent port.
 5. A container as claimed in claim 1 in which at leastone sealing or separating member is provided around at least one of theports and/or between at least two of the ports.
 6. A container asclaimed in claim 1 in which the inlet port, outlet port and vent portare arranged on a coupling mechanism.
 7. A container as claimed in claim6 in which the coupling mechanism is arranged such that the container isconnectable to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with thefluid system of the vehicle by relative movement between the containerand the vehicle that is in a linear direction.
 8. A container as claimedin claim 6 in which the coupling mechanism is arranged such that thecontainer is connectable to couple the reservoir in fluidiccommunication with the fluid system of the vehicle by relative movementbetween the container and the vehicle that is in a rotational direction.9. A container as claimed in claim 8 in which the coupling mechanism isarranged such that the container is connected to couple the reservoir influidic communication with the fluid system by relative movement betweenthe container and the vehicle that is in a rotational direction throughan angle of less than 360 degrees.
 10. A container as claimed in claim 1in which the reservoir contains a fluid.
 11. A container as claimed inclaim 10 in which the fluid is an engine lubricating oil composition ora heat exchange fluid for an electric engine.
 12. An apparatuscomprising a container as claimed in claim 1 in fluidic communicationwith a fluid system of a vehicle through the inlet port and outlet portand in fluidic communication with the vehicle through the vent port. 13.An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which the container is in fluidiccommunication with a fluid system of a vehicle engine through the inletport and outlet port and in fluidic communication with the vehicleengine through the vent port.
 14. (canceled)
 15. A replaceable fluidcontainer for an apparatus, the container comprising: a housingcomprising a fluid reservoir; an outlet port arranged on the housing tocouple the reservoir in fluidic communication with a fluid system of theapparatus for supplying fluid from the reservoir to the apparatus; aninlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidiccommunication with the fluid system of the apparatus for receiving fluidfrom the apparatus to the reservoir; and a vent port arranged on thehousing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with theapparatus for allowing gas to be passed into and out from the reservoir,wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a common end ofthe housing and are arranged such that the distance between the ventport and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet port is greater thanthe distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.